Belagavi, 18 Nov

Authorities have issued advisories to villages surrounding the Rani Chennamma Zoo in Belagavi after Haemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) was confirmed as the cause of a mass mortality event among the zoo’s blackbucks. The outbreak has raised concerns in adjoining residential and rural areas.

Dr. Chandrashekhar, senior virologist from Bannerghatta Biological Park, confirmed HS as the cause of death. Officials said 31 of the zoo’s 38 blackbucks have died in recent days, triggering heightened surveillance across surrounding villages. Anti-viral disinfectants have been sprayed inside the zoo and in neighbouring localities following instructions from the Animal Husbandry Department.

Rapid-response veterinary teams are on the ground, and residents have been advised to monitor cattle and goats for abnormal symptoms and report them immediately. The zoo—located close to residential clusters and Rani Channamma University—has seen a noticeable drop in footfall since the outbreak.

Karnataka Forest Department officials said the disease appears confined to a single enclosure, and a detailed inquiry report is expected on Wednesday. Seven surviving blackbucks are undergoing treatment and showing mild signs of recovery. An expert team from Bengaluru has been deployed to support local veterinarians.

District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said the illness “could be similar to a coronavirus-type infection,” though further laboratory confirmation is awaited. He urged residents not to panic, assuring that monitoring and containment measures are being intensified.

Khandre orders SOPs, flags vet shortage

Forest, Biology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre said a shortage of wildlife veterinarians in zoos and elephant camps has led to in-principle approval for creating a separate cadre and appointing 15 specialists. He reiterated that HS was confirmed as the cause of death.

Khandre directed officials to frame mandatory SOPs for wildlife health management and infection protocols, and ordered immediate audits in all cases involving Schedule animals. He has also set up a committee to probe the death of a tranquillised gaur at Bannerghatta and instructed all zoos in the State to tighten precautionary measures.